Amusement and educational device that has a space-age theme

ABSTRACT

This invention consists of a closed transparent parallelepiped with three separate shelf-like members interiorly positioned equidistantly, each shelf having a cut-out - one round cut-out to represent the moon, one cut-out is round with rectangular extensions to two opposite sides to resemble Saturn and the other is a star-shaped cut-out, and a plug shaped to resemble a space satellite. The plug is so shaped and proportioned that when manipulated upon its proper axes it will pass through the cutouts in the three shelf-like partitions. The space-age theme is further embodied in this device by inscriptions that indicate distances of heavenly bodies from the planet earth. Simulation of space travel is accomplished by manipulation of the device so that the plug, which is inserted in the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;earth&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; end of the parallelepiped when assembled, passes from the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;earth&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; end to the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;outer space&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; end and back to &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;earth&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;.

A United States Patent [191 Taylor 1 AMUSEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL DEVICE THAT HAS A SPACE-AGE THEME James Lloyd Taylor, 626 NE. 109 Ct., Portland, Oreg. 97220 22 Filed: Oct. 5, 1972 21 Appl.No.:274,045

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 273/113, 35/43 Primary Examiner-Wm. H. Grieb Apr. 16, 1974 [5 7] ABSTRACT This invention consists of a closed transparent parallelepiped with three separate shelf'like members interiorly positioned equidistantly, each shelf having a cut-out one round cut-out to represent the moon, one cut-out is round with rectangular extensions to two opposite sides to resemble Saturn and the other is a star-shaped cut-out, and a plug shaped to resemble a space satellite. The plug is so shaped and proportioned that when manipulated upon its proper axes it will pass through the cut-outs in the three shelf-like partitions, The space-age theme is further embodied in this device by inscriptions that indicate distances of heavenly bodies from the planet earth. Simulation of space travel is accomplished by manipulation of the device so that the plug, which is inserted in the earth end of the parallelepiped when assembled, passes from the earth end to the outer space" end and back to earth.

1 Claim, 4 Drawing Figures AMUSEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL DEVICE THAT HAS A SPACE-AGE THEME This invention consists of a transparent parallelepiped (FlG. l) with closed ends and having three partitions each with a different shaped hole in it. One partition (A) has a round hole to represent the moon, the next partition (B) has a hole shaped like the planet Saturn with its halo and the third partition (C) has a hole shaped like a star.

The only other part of this invention is a unit shaped like a miniature satellite (FIGS. 2, 3, 4) and is referred to as a traveller in this document. The traveller is inserted within the parallelepiped upon assembly. The traveller is so shaped that when it is manipulated on its proper axis it will pass through the hole in each of the partitions (A,B,C) in the parallelepiped and can make the journey from-the Earth (G) end of the device to Outer Space" (I) and back to Earth."

The parallelepiped may be manufactured by molding in identical halves sections. The traveller may be molded in a single piece. Assembly consists of inserting the traveller in the Earth end of the two halves of the parallelepiped and joining the two half sections.

The unit may be inscribed by engravings within the dies with art work (G) and data (H) indicating some of the heavenly bodies and their distances from the earth.

FIG. I is a view of the assembled unit without the traveller unit in place within the parallelepiped.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the traveller.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the traveller.

FIG. 4 isa rear view of the traveller.

The sizes and shapes may be varied. The traveller may be changed to more closely resemble a real space satellite or space shuttle unit.

I claim:

1. An amusement and educational device that is a self-contained unit comprising an elongated transparent parallelepiped with closed ends, vertically spaced partitions with each partition having a hole representing a separate heavenly body; a round hole to represent the moon, a hole shaped like the planet Saturn with its halo, and the third hole shaped like a star; a separate part shaped like a miniature space satellite contained within the parallelepiped, said part being proportioned to pass through the first and third holes when a first of its axes is aligned with said holes and to be blocked when said first axis is not aligned with said holes and to pass through said second hole when either said first axis or a second axis perpendicular to said first axis is aligned with said second hole and to be blocked when either of said first or second axes is not aligned with said second hole; whereby when said part is properly manipulated it will pass through the holes in the partitions thereby simulating the travelling of a satellite from the earth to outer space and back. 

1. An amusement and educational device that is a self-contained unit comprising an elongated transparent parallelepiped with closed ends, vertically spaced partitions with each partition having a hole representing a separate heavenly body; a round hole to represent the moon, a hole shaped like the planet Saturn with its halo, and the third hole shaped like a star; a separate part shaped like a miniature space satellite contained within the parallelepiped, said part being proportioned to pass through the first and third holes when a first of its axes is aligned with said holes and to be blocked when said first axis is not aligned with said holes and to pass through said second hole when either said first axis or a second axis perpendicular to said first axis is aligned with said second hole and to be blocked when either of said first or second axes is not aligned with said second hole; whereby when said part is properly manipulated it will pass through the holes in the partitions thereby simulating the travelling of a satellite from the earth to outer space and back. 